There are 1,000 perfect waves in the Maldives yet 90% of local surfing happens at just one beach, Raalhugandu on the southeast tip of Malé. Recently the authorities closed Raalhugandu and the local surfers are at a loss.

Winston lights up a semi-rare rock ledge. A wave that, if it was surfed more regularly, would surely raise the probablity of injury into dangerous territory.

The Mentawais are arguably the most sought after surf destination in the world and they're at a critical juncture: what visiting surfers do now will decide the fate of the locals in the future. Rob Henry examines the issues.

Let's give one last hurrah to the big fella!